Shack Monkey - Central and South America

08/09/2018

At 3,350 meters above sea level is the San Martín Alto community of Columbe parish in Colta Canton (Chimborazo Province). The temperature varies between 5 and 10 degrees Celsius, but that does not deter visitors who arrive from Japan, England, France and the United States. They've come to learn about the customs and traditions of this community and the Puruhá people. The 66 families who live in San Martín are dedicated to agriculture and livestock. They share their ancestral knowledge with people who seek to get out of the monotony of big city living. In 2002, the inhabitants started the agro-tourism project Quinua Ñan (the way of quinoa), under the concept that work is a life practice, in which the human being has the opportunity to learn and share. "Respect and love for the Pacha Mama is paramount... we share our activities and teach them about the customs and traditions of the Puruhá people," said Pedro Yupanqui, project leader. To welcome visitors, the local people built huts in adobe, with straw roofs, to provide the rustic style of the old houses and make the experience satisfactory. Each family has a plot to plant agricultural products without chemicals, so they can provide organic food. "The tourists are responsible for harvesting what they are going to eat and that is a delight for them," said Piedad Guamán, a member of the project. Guamán, who speaks Kichwa and Spanish, as well as phrases in English and French, is responsible for visitors who visit the parish and enter the quinoa fields. The quinoa plants can reach up to two meters high. It's a favorite place for foreigners who like to have their pictures taken in the fields surrounded by the yellow and red colors. Quinoa is the area's flagship product.

The younger members of the community dance to music. This is constantly requested by tourists who enjoy cultural nights. "I love the riddles and the songs we sing around the bonfire. There is no noise and the nights are clear that even allowed us to count the stars. I love this place," said Sonyia Briggs, a visitor from the US. Each year, the 66 families organize a dinner party and they report on the income and expenditures that the parish has had. Later, the profits are distributed among all. San Martín is located 41 kilometers south of Riobamba and 18 kilometers from Cajabamba. Visitors can perform activities such as weaving on looms, shearing sheep, raising guinea pigs, plowing with oxen, sowing vegetables, quinoa threshing, food preparation and agro-ecological production.

04/09/2018

Eleven Latin American countries that met in Quito to discuss the Venezualan migration crisis issued a joint declaration, agreeing to accept expired travel documents of Venezuelans for migratory purposes. The countries also agreed to continue with humanitarian assistance and access to mechanisms of regular stay. They agreed to continue working on the implementation of public policies aimed at protecting the human rights of all Venezuelans, combating trafficking in persons and to the smuggling of migrants, fight against sexual and gender-based violence, child protection, rejection of discrimination and xenophobia and access to procedures for the determination of refugee status. The countries also agreed to urge Venezuela to urgently provide identity documents, passports, birth certificates, consignments of marriage and certificates of criminal records, as well as the apostilles and legalizations that were required by its citizens. The declaration was signed by Argentina, Brasil, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Colombia, Chile, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay.

03/08/2018

It is said that when a Waorani dies, after being buried, the person is reborn as a jaguar. This is one of the beliefs of this Amazonian nationality that can be known in the exhibition 'Wao Onowoka, Espíritu Waorani" which is in the temporary exhibition room of the Archaeological Museum and Cultural Center of Orellana in Coca. The Waorani beliefs are told from the viewpoint of the Waorani and not anthropologists, according to Álvaro Gundín, head of the museum. The initiative came from the Alejandro Labaka Foundation which does social and cultural work with the Amazonian peoples. The initial proposal was to deal with issues related to the way of life, customs and traditions. The Waorani territory lies between the Napo and Curaray Rivers. One of the essential elements of the home is knowledge of utilitarian and medicinal plants. With guadúa cane, for example, you can make a sharp scissors to cut the umbilical cord of babies. The pip of the ungurahua palm is used to cure a child's fever. Like other Amazon groups, the Waorani must deal with the oil companies. With them came "easy money, alcohol and drugs," says social worker Yolanda Omaca.

31/07/2018

Chimborazo Province is not well-known for its cacao. But that may change. Some 300 families of Cumandá, Pallatanga and Alausí Cantons in the southeastern part of the province are involved in cacao cultivation. The largest number of ventures is in lower Cumandá Canton, on the border with Guayas Province. Farmers say the irrigation of this area is fed by the Chimbo and Chanchán rivers, which is why it is considered a privileged site for planting. The Ávalos family cultivates cacao fino de aroma and started a company that sells a gourmet line of chocolates. The company is called 3HChocoatl and its products are sold at artisan fairs in the country. The goal this year is to enter the shelves of supermarkets.

Cacao is not new to Chimborazo. But before, it was planted without technical knowledge, so the product had no major relevance in the market. But in the last five years, the picture changed. The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock undertook a project to rescue cacao. It delivered 200,000 plants to Chimborazo and offers technical support. People began to renew their plantations with the newer varieties including CCN51, known for its excellent flavor and fermentation qualities. For Francisco Miranda, president of the National Association of Cacao Exporters, the most important quality of cacao coming from Cumandá is the good taste and the minimum appearance of plant pests, which are more frequent on the coast. Exportadora Guangala, one of the largest companies in the country, acquires the cacao from two haciendas in Cumandá and exports it to the Ferrero factory in Italy.

30/07/2018

23/07/2018

http://www.sachalodge.com/the-lodge/

The Lodge blends so seamlessly into its surroundings that to the resident wildlife it’s just another part of the forest. Watch giant otters duck, dive and call to each other as you eat breakfast; caimans glide under the walkway as you head back to your room; monkeys chattering outside your balcony...

23/07/2018

http://www.laselvajunglelodge.com/index.html

La Selva Jungle Lodge in the Amazon of Ecuador offers Amazon tours and trips for birdwatchers, rainforest enthusiasts and any type of traveler.

22/07/2018

https://www.flightnetwork.com/blog/trek-to-machu-picchu/

22/07/2018

The Flight Network, a Canadian-owned online travel agency, said the Galápagos is one of 50 trips that must be made at least once. The archipelago ranked second on the agency's list called "The World's Best Once-In-A-Lifetime Journeys." The selection was made by Flight Network in collaboration with more than 500 journalists, other agencies, bloggers and travel editors. According to the agency, the best way to travel through the Galápagos is by boat (usually the most expensive). The Flight Network ranked an expedition to Antarctica first on its list. Traveling on the Trans-Siberian Railway (7 days from Moscow to Vladivostok) was third and Machu Picchu was fourth. Photo courtesy: Flight Network - https://www.flightnetwork.com/blog/worlds-best-journeys/

22/07/2018

Ecuador could soon learn whether another region in the country is declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. An Ecuadorian delegation will travel to Indonesia today to promote the Chocó Andino in Pichincha Province. The Ministry of the Environment presented UNESCO with a file to request the declaration of this area, rich in biodiversity. The file was analyzed in February of this year by the International Consultative Committee for Biosphere Reserves. Some clarifications were recommended regarding the zoning of the territory, population and economic activities in the core zone. Those clarifications have since been made. Now, Ecuadorian officials hope that at a meeting in Indonesia from July 23-28, the declaration will finally become a reality.

In the Chocó Andino there are nine protected forests, three areas of importance for the conservation of birds and an ecological corridor for the Andean bear. If the request is accepted, this area would be the seventh biosphere reserve in the country. The others are Parque Nacional Galápagos, Yasuní, Sumaco, Podocarpus-El Cóndor, Macizo del Cajas and Bosque Seco. A biosphere reserve is an ecosystem with plants and animals of unusual scientific and natural interest. UNESCO grants the designation to help protect these sites. Photo courtesy: Inty Arcos/ Mancomunidad Chocó Andino - http://www.elcomercio.com/tendencias/choco-andino-pichincha-reservabiosfera-unesco.html

Una delegación ecuatoriana viajará este domingo 22 de julio a Indonesia para impulsar la declaratoria de Reserva de Biósfera para el Chocó Andino de Pichincha. A finales del año anterior, por pedido de las comunidades de la zona, el Ministerio del Ambiente presentó a la Unesco el expediente pa...

22/07/2018

The world's largest encebollado was prepared in Guayaquil. Long wooden paddles were needed to stir the ingredients. There is enough to make at least 6,000 portions which are being sold today for $2.50 each. The money raised will go to social programs. The encebollado is part of the "Made in Ecuador" festival at Parque Samanes.

17/07/2018

The most unusual of all of these is the agouti, which is a rodent. It is closely related to the guinea pig and varies in color from light brown to red, typically having light colored underparts. The agouti is covered in coarse, short hair which raises up in spikes when the animal is frightened or alarmed. More well-known animals native to the country are species such as llamas, chinchillas and armadillos, but Argentina is also home to deadly anacondas known for their ability to be able to wrap round their animal kingdom victims and crush their bones. Finally, there is the anteater, known for its very large fore claws, which can easily tear open ant mounds. This animal has very long fur, which protects them from being bitten and attacked by the insects they feast on.

11/07/2018

The Peguche Waterfall is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the Otavalo area. There are a number of legends associated with this waterfall. It is said there is a cave in which a bowl of gold is guarded by two black dogs. To the side of them sits the devil with a bowl of sand which a person exchanges for the gold. The devil removes one grain of sand each day. When the bowl is empty, he takes the soul of the person who made a pact with him.

Another story from 1800 involves a political leader who came to the Otavalo/Peguche area to attend an indigenous party where he got drunk. He left the party at midnight and rode his horse to go home. When he passed the waterfall, the horse suddenly stopped. The man saw a person with no face beheading indigenous people with a sword. The politician thought he was hallucinating and went to the waterfall to wash his face. But he saw Satan in the middle of the stream giving orders to the executioner to severe the heads. The man's horse ran away in terror. The politician was able to grab the horse's tail and also escaped. The next day, the horse was found dead. These stories are told by elderly people and passed from one generation to the next.

25/06/2018

Living on the EDGE! http://naturavive.com/web/skylodge-adventure-suites/

24/06/2018

One of the dishes in Manabí Province is called tonga. It consists of rice, pollo criollo, ripe plantain and a peanut sauce, all wrapped in a plantain leaf. This dish of coastal cuisine identifies the farmer who works in agricultural areas. According to former university professor Rosa Alcívar, this dish came about through necessity. For Montuvio workers, it was difficult to take pots and dishes to work in the fields. So a plantain leaf meal was developed. The plantain leaf replaces the plate. According to Manabí chef Pablo Loor, this dish originated in the rural areas of the province. More than 90 years ago, the wives of the farmers came up with a meal wrapped in a plantain leaf that their husbands could take with them to the fields. Tonga later became popular in urban areas. Some people purchase the tongas for $2 each and then resell them in the city for $4.

The key to making good tonga is to pass the plantain leaf over a wood fire. Doing this helps to infuse the smell and taste of the leaf in the rice and other ingredients of this dish. Photo courtesy: El Telégrafo & La Hora

21/06/2018

https://matadornetwork.com/read/10-awesome-ways-experience-true-culture-costa-rica/

Pour yourself a cup of café chorreado, and let's get started.

21/06/2018

https://www.gadventures.com/destinations/south-america/

14/06/2018

Go on, get out there!

09/06/2018

The Galápagos Islands are a popular tourist destination. But less than a century ago, the islands were mostly uninhabited. A new book looks at the charm, mystery and environment of the Galápagos, and relives the history of the first inhabitants of Floreana Island, among them the Wittmers. The story begins in 1931 when German spouses Heinz and Margaret Wittmer settled in this inhospitable and remote island. They were among those escaping the winds of war in Europe. They had read that Floreana was one of the few islands that had a water source and that ensured their survival. The couple arrived with the minimum of belongings, but with a great "bundle of dreams" and, in turn, of uncertainty because they did not know what life had in store for them. Without medical help, inside a cave on the island, Margaret gave birth to her children Rolf and Floreana. The place still exists and it is a tourist attraction. Rolf lived his childhood in that abode. Unlike the children of the continent, he grew up with material limitations typical of the environment. From his young age he learned to work in the fields and fishing, then became the pioneer of local tourism. This self-taught and enterprising man, who liked to be called "Captain," became the first child registered in Floreana. He died in 2011, at the age of 78.

The Ecuadorians call the island Floreana, but buccaneers referred to it as "Charles" and the Spaniards as "Santa María." From the 16th century to the 20th century, Floreana fluctuated between populated and deserted. Optimism and tragedies marked the times. There were characters such as the German dentist and philosopher Friederich Ritter and his lover Dore who left her husband to flee with him to the island. There was also Eloise Wehrborn of Wagner-Bousquet, aka the "Baroness," with her three lovers: Valdivieso, Lorenz and Philippson. The baroness proclaimed herself "Empress of Floreana" and granted powers to review and seize correspondence and appropriate assets.

Ecuatoriano Iván Lasso, who now lives in the US, decided to capture part of the history and natural wealth of the Galápagos in nearly 200 photos that appear in his book "Galápagos, mi viaje inolvidable." The formal unveiling of the book took place in Quito. Sales of the book will help fund the study of children at the Amazonas school on Floreana.

08/06/2018

A gifted storyteller, a writer, a chef, and a traveler. Today we remember Anthony Bourdain who brought his world into our living rooms and inspired us to be bolder with our food choices and braver with our travel itineraries.

He went beyond the meal on the plate to tell stories about people, place, and the palate. He used his platform to uplift communities around the world and inspire empathy. He opened our eyes to the world that was greater than what’s on our Instagram feeds. He showed us that people of the world are more alike, than they are different.

We will forever be inspired by Anthony Bourdain’s love for travel and the legacy he leaves behind. And today, we will remember him for his enthusiasm, his passion, his brash exuberance, and his willingness for reinvention.

Rest in peace, Tony.

04/06/2018

The Saraguros in Loja Province are famous for making beaded necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets and other types of jewelry. It's a tradition that dates back several decades. Skilled artisans, mostly women, give shape to these items. The jewelry is now used by mestizas as well as indigenous women. Gladys Jiménez is a 33-year-old Lojana and an aficionado of the objects the Saraguros make. "They are very elegant and you have to appreciate what we have here," she says. Jiménez is getting married and plans to wear earrings and a necklace made by the Saraguros at her wedding. "I want to do something different," she says. To find jewelry for her wedding, Jiménez visited the booth run by María Delfina Quizhpe at the Centro de Acción Social ‘Matilde Hidalgo’ which is run by the Prefecture of Loja. Quizhpe is a 60-year-old craftswoman from the Lagunas community of Saraguro Canton. She exhibits striking crafts made by her and her children. Among what is offered to the public are bracelets, scarves, rings, earrings, key rings and even magnets to place on the doors of refrigerators. All these objects are made with mullos and chaquira beads. Quizhpe, who has been involved in this work for some 45 years, points out that in past decades, mullos of primary colors were used, among them yellow, blue and red. In later years, they began to use new colors of beads. Other jewelry designs have also appeared.

04/06/2018

https://edition.cnn.com/2018/06/03/americas/guatemala-fuego-volcano-erupts/index.html

Guatemala's Fuego volcano eruption killed dozens and left dazed residents covered in ash as they searched for loved ones.

02/06/2018

http://www.bbc.com/travel/south-america

Stories about South America

02/06/2018

https://www.gapyear.com/articles/travel-ideas/hannah-simmonss-guide-to-south-america

South America is a gap year paradise. There's so much to see and do, and we want to make sure you get the most out of your backpacking adventure with our guide..

02/06/2018

https://bambooecolodge.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwgMnYBRDRARIsANC2dfnoBwB3zPUAXTlb2JAU8kS9ipsgg-QDsJxXhY-c1vJK7sywzo8jbN0aAvYKEALw_wcB

02/06/2018

https://news.mongabay.com/2018/06/ecuador-tribe-sees-how-oil-industry-affects-forest-on-toxic-tour/

SUCUMBÍOS PROVINCE, Ecuador — “The land is dead,” says Camilo Pauche as he surveys with consternation the devastation that the oil industry has left in Pacayacu, a village in the Ecuadorian Amazon.…

31/05/2018

In Ecuador, recent demand for blueberries (arándanos) has caused investors to focus on this fruit which in addition to being quite profitable, has extensive nutritional value. A kilo of blueberries will fetch $12. And it is a perennial crop. Today in Quito, producers, university students, teachers and businessmen will participate in a seminar on the production and export of blueberries.

Blueberries need warm temperatures during the day and low temperatures at night, which is why it is ideal for places like Guayllabamba, Yaruquí and parts of Imbabura Province. Cultivation of blueberries in the country has increased by 100% over the past two years, according to Patricio Ñacato, manager of Ecuarándano, a pioneer in production of the fruit in Ecuador. In 2015, cultivation began with the Biloxi variety of blueberries, brought from the United States.

Although the initial investment is around $40,000 per hectare, that amount is recovered in the first year. It covers the cost of plants and infrastructure (soil conditioning or greenhouse implementation, irrigation systems, etc.). In the first year of life, each plant produces around 800 grams of fruit. Then, from the second year, the production will rise to 1,500 grams. Ñacato indicated that since it is a relatively new fruit in the country, and with considerable demand, all the production is sold. So far, no pests or diseases have been detected that affect production. According to farmer Pedro Ibarra, blueberries need loose soil. They don't tolerate areas with a lot of rain. The right climate will allow the fruit to grow throughout the year. https://www.eltelegrafo.com.ec/noticias/economia/4/ecuador-arandanos-consumo-interno

El arándano necesita de temperaturas altas por el día y bajas por las noches, por eso es idóneo para sitios como Imbabura o Guayllabamba. El kilo se cotiza en $ 12, una planta produce hasta 1.500 gramos. Es un cultivo perenne.

30/05/2018

https://www.thebrokebackpacker.com/backpacking-south-america-travel-guide/

30/05/2018

https://www.roughguides.com/article/backpacking-south-america/

Taken from the Rough Guide to South America on a Budget, these are our top tips for discovering South America's treasure trove of adventures.

30/05/2018

https://www.tourradar.com/t/65022 =10_

20 days in Peru - Wander Through the Incan World, a 20 day tour from Lima to Arequipa, Cusco and 4 destinations. Best Selection - Best Price - Trusted Payments

30/05/2018

https://www.tourradar.com/t/39093 =1_

La Paz to Buenos Aires Adventure, a 15 day tour from La Paz to Sucre, Potosi and 5 destinations. Best Selection - Best Price - Trusted Payments

27/05/2018

Ash from the Reventator Volcano fell on parts of Pichincha and Napo Provinces. Strong winds carried the ash to the west. San Antonio de Pichincha (Mitad del Mundo), Puéllaro and Puembo in the Quito area; Tabacundo and Cayambe in north Pichincha; and Papallacta in Napo Province all recorded the fall of ash. Reventator is located 90 kilometers east of Quito.- http://www.elcomercio.com/actualidad/sectores-pichincha-papo-ceniza-volcanreventador.html

Las poblaciones de San Antonio de Pichincha (Mitad del Mundo), Puéllaro y Puembo, en Quito; Tabacundo y Cayambe en el norte de Pichincha; y Papallacta, en Napo, registraron la caída de ceniza proveniente del volcán Reventador. El fenómeno volcánico se produjo la mañana de este domingo 27 de ma...